Biggest, better, best: Theme parks Dubai-style

Just when you thought Dubai couldn't get any more fantastical, the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates will open its first theme parks later this year, adding to the already mind-boggling array of attractions and adventures in this desert oasis.

Just when you thought Dubai couldn’t get any more fantastical, the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates will open its first theme parks later this year, adding to the already mind-boggling array of attractions and adventures in this desert oasis.

Between them, IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts will provide more rides, more thrills, more fun and more beloved characters than even the most fairyfloss-fuelled family can handle.

Leveraging famous movie and entertainment franchises from around the world, the parks will connect fans of all ages to their favourite heroes across a head-spinning assortment of activities and entertainment, covering everything from lifelike dinosaurs, maddening mazes and adrenalin-pumping rollercoasters to LEGO building and docile rides for youngsters.

Dubai has always aimed for the superlative. It is already home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, as well as the world’s largest water feature, indoor snow at Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and the incredible Dubai Mall with its 1200 shops and 200 eateries.

Then there’s Aquaventure water park, which has a water slide with a tunnel through a shark pool and a three-kilometre raft ride, as well as skydiving, paragliding, scuba and snorkelling, plus dune bashing, desert tours and camping. More info